Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White dies at 74

Legendary soul and funk musician Maurice White has died at age 74, his brother has revealed. As bandleader and co-founder of the group Earth, Wind & Fire, White synthesized his Memphis, Tennessee upbringing and life in Chicago to create music that was deeply rooted in both influences. The band was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

White also produced, wrote and played as a session musician for artists like former Stax girl group the Emotions, Barbara Streisand and Barry Manilow, as well as “90s girl group Cleopatra. His credits as a songwriter are long and influential, including ‘You’re the Inspiration’ and ‘Bettie Davis Eyes’, as well as music from the Eddie Murphy movie Coming to America and the Broadway show Hot Feet. [via BBC News]